How early is it too early to get the Flu Shot in 2019?

Autumn and winter are around the corner with the beginning of the school year, which reminds us that the flu season is also on its way. Influenza viruses circulate throughout the year, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity usually increases in October, peaking between December and February.

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1; sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "According to a CDC study from 2018, Published in Clinical Infectious Diseases On average, about 8 percent of the US population suffers from flu in every season, with a range of between 3% and 11%, depending on the season.The same study highlighted why parents have additional There is reason to be worried: Children are most likely to get flu. "Data-reactid =" 12 "> According to a CDC study from 2018, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases averages 8 percent of the US population In each season, flu and 11%, depending on the season. The same study highlighted why parents are particularly worried: Children are most likely to get flu.

However, it is not surprising that the CDC has recommended that all six-month-olds receive an early flu vaccine to prevent the flu from spreading to the virus. They also point out that there are certain groups where the risk of flu complications is greater: people with diabetes, pregnant women, adults over 65, children under five, people with asthma and other chronic lung diseases, people with kidney and liver disease , Patients with heart disease and those with weakened immune systems.

In a press release dated August 15, RiteAid announced that seasonal flu vaccinations are now available in 2466 pharmacies across the country.

For the 2019-2020 flu season, the national chain is offering a quadrivalent flu vaccine that protects against four influenza strains: the influenza A H3N2 virus, the influenza A H1N1 virus and two strains of the influenza B virus. Virus; FLUAD, a trivalent vaccine with adjuvant, an ingredient that elicits a stronger immune response to vaccinations and is approved for people over 65 years of age; Fluzone HD, a high-dose vaccine indicated for patients over 65 years of age; and Flublok, a unique vaccine that is processed without EGG and is indicated for patients over the age of 18 years.

Flu vaccines are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, and are available during pharmacy hours. (You do not have to make an appointment.)

Jocelyn Konrad, Executive Vice President of Pharmacy and Retail, Rite Aid, said in the press release, "Although the flu season last year was less severe than last year, it was the longest For the past 10 years, as the flu season continues to grow, it's even more important to get a flu shot early. Getting a flu shot is still the best way to protect yourself from the flu and its potentially serious consequences. We encourage everyone to drop in on Rite Aid on the spot to get an influenza vaccine today and found flu-free communities. "

If you happen to live closer to a CVS than to a RiteAid, you're also lucky. A CVS spokesperson noted that the majority of CVS pharmacies and MinuteClinic sites currently have a supply and are able to administer the flu shot to the patient at will.

You can also check with your health care provider, an emergency clinic, or on-site pharmacy to see if they're giving you this year's flu vaccine. Most physicians cover the total cost of treating patients who have health insurance.

How long does the flu vaccine protect you?

If you are accustomed to getting a vaccine in October, you may be wondering if this is possible. Get it early and accidentally limit your coverage for the duration of the flu season.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report to doctors that it is safe to provide flu shots for all ages if the vaccine is available each year. That said, they note that "Nobody can predict when influenza will peak in any given season." Several studies have reported that vaccine efficacy decreases within a single influenza season with increasing time since vaccination However, no consistent effects have been observed over the years, including age groups, virus subtypes, and seasons. "

While" delaying vaccination at a later time in the season could allow for greater immunity, "the CDC claims relying on evidence from one 2013 study that "a shift could lead to missed vaccination opportunities".

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But some studies show that" you still have protection from the shot you got last year, if it's a year when the loads have not changed, "Treanor remarked.

In short said many variables, such as the immune system of an individual and the specific influenza strains circulating during the season, influence the duration of the injection, but the CDC notes that "vaccination is best done before the onset of influenza activity in the community "This may be better in the past."

How effective is the flu shot, according to the CDC? The protection you receive from the shot depends on your age and health, as well as the similarity or "similarity" the virus or viruses in the vaccine and those that circulate during the season.

Recent efficacy studies show that a flu shot puts you at risk of having flu lowers the overall population by 40 to 60 percent when most circulating influenza viruses are tailored to the shot.

The Bottom Line

Now, before the end of October or just as soon as possible, you and your children will be protected from the pressures that will occur during the flu season 2019-2020 by vaccination for the upcoming flu season. As the CDC points out, it can also protect people in your area, including those more susceptible to serious flu illnesses. It's a win-win situation.